Children and vulnerable users are facing increasingly complex, transnational, and persistent online harms. These threats no longer fit traditional labels such as extremism, cybercrime, child exploitation, or online abuse. Instead, they emerge at the intersections where online cultures, cross‑platform behaviors, and multi‑layered vulnerabilities combine.
Resolver’s Critical Harm Intelligence Briefing: Weaponised Loneliness examines a decentralized online harm ecosystem often referred to as “the Com.” In this report, the term is used as a functional, though imperfect, descriptor for a loose constellation of online subcultures, behaviors and dynamics associated with multiple forms of harm. Activity linked to this ecosystem spans platforms, jurisdictions, online and offline environments.
Drawing on multiple years of global intelligence work, the briefing provides a systems-level perspective intended to support safety, policy and governance teams in recognizing emerging patterns earlier and strengthening coordination across organizations and regulatory environments.
What this report covers
This briefing provides high‑level insight into:
- How decentralized online harm ecosystems form and evolve
- How behaviors and subcultures intersect across platforms and digital environments
- Patterns of grooming, coercion and escalation observed across multiple online spaces
- Factors that increase exposure and vulnerability for children and young people
- Global structural gaps and influences shaping the spread of these harms
The analysis is designed to support understanding and discussion without amplifying harm or enabling misuse.
Who this report is for
This briefing is written for professionals responsible for online safety, policy, and governance, including:
- Trust and Safety, integrity, and governance teams
- Policy leaders, regulators, and public safety officials
- Safety and risk analysts
- Child protection and safeguarding organizations
- NGOs and civil society groups focused on digital safety
- Journalists reporting on online harms, digital risks, and emerging threat patterns
Download the full report now
About this research
This report presents a systems-level analysis of hybrid online harms. It does not assess individual platforms, name communities or include operational, investigative or instructional detail. All examples are composite, fully anonymized and developed with responsible disclosure and harm minimization as core principles.
Content notice
This briefing discusses online harms affecting children and young people. While graphic or enabling detail has been intentionally excluded, some readers may find the subject matter distressing.